Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The Leafly Strain of the Year 2021 is Dosidos!

End the year with Dosidos, a living legend of a weed strain that's smoker-tested and grower-approved.

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New Study Determines Correlation Between Cannabis and Sleep

A toke before sleep is the key to shut-eye for many, but new research published this week suggests that may not be the case.

The study, published Monday in The BMJ, sought to “determine the relationship between cannabis use and nightly sleep duration in a nationally representative dataset,” which was a “cross-sectional analysis of adults was undertaken using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2005 to 2018.”

According to CNN, the study “analyzed use of marijuana for sleep among 21,729 adults between the ages of 20 and 59,” and that the data was “considered representative of over 146 million Americans.”

“Respondents were dichotomized as recent users or non-users if they had used or not used cannabis in the past 30 days, respectively,” the authors explained in the study’s methodology. “The primary outcome was nightly sleep duration, categorized as short (<6 hours), optimal (6–9 hours), and long (>9 hours). Multinomial logistic regression was used to adjust for sociodemographic and health-related covariates, and survey sample weights were used in modeling.”

The study showed that “adults who use weed 20 or more days during the last month were 64 percent more likely to sleep less than six hours a night and 76 percent more likely to sleep longer than nine hours a night,” CNN reported, adding that moderate consumption of weed, defined as “using weed less than 20 days during the past month… didn’t create short sleep problems, but people were 47 percent more likely to snooze nine or more hours a night, the study also found.”

CNN said that “addition to issues with short and long sleep,” the study also found that people “who used weed within the last 30 days were also more likely to say they have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and were more likely to say they have discussed sleep problems with a health care provider.”

“The problem with our study is that we can’t really say that it’s causal, meaning we can’t know for sure whether this was simply individuals who were having difficulty sleeping, and that’s why they use the cannabis or the cannabis caused it,” said Calvin Diep, a resident in the department of anesthesiology and pain medicine at the University of Toronto who served as lead author of the study, as quoted by CNN.

“The issue is that there’s a disconnect between these anecdotal reports of people reporting therapeutic benefits and the evidence behind it in terms of the data,” Diep added.

Cannabis has been cited as a critical sleeping aid for many who suffer from insomnia. A peer-reviewed study in 2018 of 1,000 medical cannabis patients in Colorado showed that among individuals using weed to promote sleep, “84 percent found it very or extremely helpful, and most of those taking over-the-counter (87 percent) or prescription sleep aids (83 percent) reported reducing or stopping use of those medications.”

Dr. Karim Ladha, staff anesthesiologist and clinician-scientist in the department of anesthesiology and pain medicine at the University of Toronto, told CNN that the discrepancy could be attributed to a host of different factors.

“A lot of the older data related to cannabis is based on lower doses of THC than what patients are using now, and there’s very little research related to CBD,” Ladha told CNN. “Studies tell us about what happens at a population level, but on an individual level that discussion is much more personal. The studies just give us the possibilities that (marijuana) could hurt your sleep, but it may help and so we just don’t know until you try it.”

“Patients are spending money and time and resources to obtain cannabis right now to help with sleep,” Ladha added. “I think as the medical community, we need to do everything we can to make sure that we enable our patients to make the best possible decisions for their health.”

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Dosidos weed products in Canada

To celebrate Leafly Strain of the Year, we have curated Dosidos cannabis products available on this side of the border.

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Choose Wisely, Grasshopper

Often the best inventions and innovations are born out of necessity—which is exactly what sparked the creation and development of the Grasshopper. Grasshopper Co-founders Luke Daly and Jesse Bloomfield shared why they had to build the tool they needed—because it didn’t exist yet.

The Grasshopper is an all-in-one tool that sets a higher standard for the bulk packing process, designed for maximum efficiency. The Grasshopper saves time and protects the quality and integrity of product—i.e. cannabis—during the crucial bulk packing stage, preventing spills and cutting labor costs. This allows you to perfect the process and create a stronger finish for your product—an asset in any cultivating, processing, and/or provisioning facility small or large. 

The Grasshopper came from humble beginnings and has been a few years in the making. Working in the cannabis industry is a constant learning process with unique challenges due to the patchwork of state laws. A lot of the weight falls upon the shoulders of processors, cultivators and dispensary workers.

“[It] was a problem many in the industry didn’t even realize they had—the weighing, managing and packing process,” said Daly. “With over a decade of cultivating experience, one thing that was seen as a constant was that every grower had their own makeshift ways of weighing, managing and packaging final product. [They often are also] balancing mixing bowls, Tupperware, buckets and anything else on top of a scale that was too small, finding ways to see the digital reading on the scale getting covered by these bowls and buckets, then awkwardly filling bags and often spilling product on the ground.”

As you can imagine, cannabis industry workers are great engineers when it comes to nearly every type of handyman problem that comes along during production, but they needed a more permanent solution, especially when dealing in bulk flower.

Grasshopper
Courtesy of Grasshopper

So the two began to engineer their own device. Initially, Daly, Bloomfield and their team constructed a stationary hopper made from wood, screws, ductwork and tape. It was heavy, large, cumbersome and with sharp edges. “It was not pretty but it made all the difference in the world when it came time to getting product into the bag,” Daly said.

“It saved us an enormous amount of time, and kept product from being spilled on the ground. For the longest time we viewed our makeshift hopper as just another random tool to make our job easier and was not something we envisioned manufacturing.”

Embrace the adage, “work smarter, not harder.” This leads to the other proverb that you need the right tool for the right job. Bagging product with the wrong tool can cost a business a fortune, especially when bulk amounts are involved.

But the hopper generated a strong response from people who witnessed it in action, and Daly eventually had the realization that this is something that every grower could benefit from. He decided to seek out a product development team to refine the design and work towards a product that his team could manufacture and make available to help everyone.

“We spent the first few months expanding on this idea and how to potentially turn this into a product line,” the co-founders shared. “We broke down the process and looked at everything we could design to make life easier. We looked at different styles of buckets, scales, scale stands, scoops, bags, etc., anything and everything. After thinking on this for a while, a new thought came to mind. Instead of creating a line of products separate from one another, how could we consolidate these different ideas into one unique product?”

This led to four major adjustments: Make the bucket large enough to comfortably hold one pound of finished product—as most cultivation facilities have their own custom bags for shipping product to dispensaries and processors in one-pound increments; Design an attachable funnel lid that fits most every type of packaging; Make the funnel lid capable of flipping over to use as a scale stand to prop the bucket up and easily see the readout; and finally, Keep it lightweight, portable, easy to keep clean, comfortable and fun to use.

“At this point, we started the product development process over from scratch to refine this new concept,” the duo said. “We spent time looking at every detail: how the lid attaches, how the bucket rests on top of the funnel, measurements/angles, handles, thumb caps, colors, logos, etc. After a few 3D printed prototypes and working through all the details, the Grasshopper was ready to move into manufacturing.”

Courtesy of Grasshopper

The name appears to be self-explanatory. A hopper is a pyramidal or cone-shaped container used in industrial processes. Add the bulk flower material, and voilà—we present to you the Grasshopper.

The Grasshopper is designed to be versatile, allowing the user to find how to best incorporate the product into their operation. The largest inherent benefits are time savings, preventing spills and cutting operational labor costs. Specifically, it can benefit the following three types of workers:

Cultivators – Weigh and package product faster and without spills. This way, they can standard operating procedures to employees and/or packaging managers tasked with packaging final product for distribution.


Processors – Weigh and manage flower and biomass. It’s useful for filling 6” and 8” extraction columns.

Dispensaries – When breaking down large quantities of flower into smaller prepackaged amounts, it is helpful to transfer bulk product from bag into the Grasshopper to work out of. Easily keep track of weight, and transfer any remaining product back into bag when finished.

Small Scale Growers – Weigh, manage and determine where a dry process is, or determine how much a yield is. The Grasshopper is handy for any amount of cannabis.


The Grasshopper is compatible with bags, extraction columns and scales. This includes vacuum seal (11” and 15”), Ziploc (1 gallon and over) and turkey bags, to name a few. It’s also compatible with 6” and 8” extraction columns. Use it also with most scales, as long as they can handle the weight of the Grasshopper (roughly 800 grams).

The Grasshopper is made using FDA food-grade High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE). Its ergonomic thumb-cap provides comfort with a textured finish for a reliable grip.

“When we launched the Grasshopper, our vision was to help others in the industry by offering a simple solution to standardize the bulk packing process—a lasting product in an ever-evolving industry making easy work out of a task that was once awkward, time consuming, and messy.”

Daly is Michigan-based with over 10 years of experience working with cannabis under his belt Cultivating started as a hobby and quickly turned into a passion. “Consistently producing quality product poses many unique challenges and I’ve dealt with a lot of them firsthand, gaining comfortability and expanding to larger gardens while maintaining the same high standard of quality,” Daly said. “I love helping others who share the same passion of growing that I have. I have helped design and set up a number of indoor gardens, equipment installation, drip systems, nutrient regiments, pest and mold preventatives, etc. I am grateful for the years of being able to work with such a beautiful plant and am excited to continue learning, networking, and growing with the industry as it evolves over the coming years.”

Before Daly’s entrance into the cannabis industry, he optimized workflows in a large-scale factory setting. Later on, he launched his first grow operation, producing humble yields as a caregiver. 

Bloomfield is a Michigan local with around five years of experience working with cannabis as a caregiver. “I have helped in many successful cultivation facilities before starting my own,” Bloomfield said. “It is rewarding being able to provide patients with the quality medicinal cannabis they need.” Bloomfield’s diverse, hands-on background prepared him to provide cultivators with the tools they need.

Before starting his own ventures, Bloomfield served in various roles and helped develop several successful operations. He helps both new and veteran businesses to identify opportunities that would otherwise go unnoticed.

The two hope to transform the world of cultivation, processing and sales with the boosted efficiency in production processes, made possible by the Grasshopper. Find the Grasshopper online on the company’s website, or call your local hydroponic shop to see if they carry the Grasshopper. Help spread the word by telling others how they can streamline the processing and packing process of bulk flower material.

The company plans on rolling out a full product line of products. Until then, the Grasshopper makes a great gift idea.

grasshopper.supply

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Chile’s Presidential Elections: A Win-Win for Cannabis (Sorta …)

Chile’s presidential elections are heading to a second round. We’re paying attention for many reasons, not least the fact that the results will have significant implications for cannabis policy, not just in Chile, but in all of Latin America.

The winner of the first round was José Antonio Kast, who eked out a victory over second-placed Gabriel Boric. Kast and Boric could hardly offer more divergent policy directions. The former is a conservative (some say ultra-conservative or far-right) defender of Chile’s neoliberal model, who thinks Chile’s established right-wing parties are adopting the “slogans of the new left.”

For his part, Boric is a former student leader, whose coalition includes the Communist Party of Chile. Boric has pledged to kill off Chile’s neoliberal system, raising taxes, engaging in industrial policy, and doing away with Chile’s private pensions system, a hallmark of its current model.

When it to cannabis, however, there is not that much daylight between the two candidates’ positions.

Boric’s platform includes a call to consider legal changes to legalize adult-use cannabis. This stance is not that surprising for a 35-year-old former student leader with a tattoo of a trout on his forearm (a homage to the Magallanes region from which he hails and which he represents in Chile’s legislature). However, recent election cycles in Latin America make it clear that the left is not always on the side of legalization.

Kast, meanwhile, supports the medical use of cannabis, though not its recreational use. Frankly, this is a much more moderate stance than we’d expect from someone demonized as “a member of the extreme far right.” Contrast his views to those of Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, to whom Kast is often compared. The Brazilian rabidly opposes medical cannabis, opining that “the left always takes advantage of an opportunity to get drugs” and lamenting that it’s “weed yes, chloroquine no.”

Elaborating on his opposition to adult-use cannabis, Kast posited that “given the alcoholism that exists today in Chile at the youth level and the sale of tobacco to minors, it will not be possible, based on those precedents, to regulate the consumption of marijuana to minors.” It is a fair objection and one based on practical considerations, far removed from the reefer madness (or shall we say maconha madness) exhibited by other regional leaders (and not just on the right).

The prospect of a regulatory framework for medical cannabis in Chile is very exciting. Chile is not just a relatively wealthy market of 20 million people, but one of Latin America’s undisputed economic leaders. Of course, for these reasons, the prospect of Chile opening up to medical and adult-use cannabis is even more exciting. In any case, expect others in the region to pay attention to what happens in Chile with cannabis.

For now, we’ll be paying attention to what happens in Chile on December 16. Expect more from us on developments in the Country of Poets.

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Strains similar to Dosidos: Canada edition

Finding Dosidos in Canada can be a challenge. Check out these similar strains to celebrate Leafly Strain of the Year 2021.

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Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Vape Holiday Gift Guide

Vapes are quite possibly one of the best gifts you could give someone—but choosing just one is no easy task. They vary greatly in size and price, ranging from the smallest, most discreet vape pens (some of which are disposable) to the biggest, beefiest rigs you can imagine. These devices offers so much potential in consumption choices, too. Some vape pens offer a wide variety of cartridges with the freshest trending oils. Other vape devices are compatible with any dry herb you have on hand, putting the power of flower choice solely in your hands.

Need help choosing the best vape for you, or a loved one? Check out our exclusive list of vape devices—one of them is sure to be a winner for your giftee, if not all of them!

Photo Courtesy of Arizer

XQ2 – Advanced | Elevated | Refined

NEW from Arizer, the XQ2 dry herb vaporizer is the culmination of 15+ years of product design and manufacturing experience. This unparalleled multi-purpose convection heater offers an all-in-one aromatherapy system, collection bag/balloon system, and on-demand direct draw + assisted draw whip system. Enjoy new and improved features including a large color screen, user-friendly OS, upgraded custom session settings, convenient remote control, multi-color LEDs, isolated airpath, air-purifying intake filter and more! Experience why Arizer is better by design.

Price: $239.99

arizer.xyz/HT-Gift-Guide

Photo Courtesy of Jetty Extracts

Jetty SOLVENTLESS Papaya Bomb

Jetty SOLVENTLESS Papaya Bomb vape is the first-ever High Times exclusive. Crafted by Jetty, it’s a unique hybrid cross of THC Bomb x Papaya. With sweet, tropical notes and a little bit of spice, it brings the cool, potently-mellow vibes. And because it’s Jetty SOLVENTLESS, this vape never touches a chemical, made simply using ice, water, heat and pressure. Available for a limited time.

Price: $65

 jettyextracts.com/hightimes

Photo Courtesy of Delta Extrax

Delta Extrax

Experience the higher standard in vape products by visiting Delta Extrax. Delta Extrax offers a wide variety of hemp-derived vape products including cartridges and disposable devices. You’ll find unique blends of hemp-compliant blends of Delta 9 THC, Delta 10, Delta 8, THC-O, THCV, THP and HHC. Also, Delta Extrax uses exotic blends of cannabinoids to further enhance the vaping experience. Just released: 2 gram disposable vape devices. The industry standard is only one gram of THC, but this brand stepped it up further by adding an additional gram of THC at an affordable price!

Price: $29.99 – $58.99 (Use coupon code HIGHTIMES20 to get 20 percent off)

deltaextrax.com

Photo Courtesy of TOQi

TOQi 510 Dab Bundle

Leave the dabbing rig and torch at home and dab on the go with the TOQi 510 Dab Bundle. Already a favorite among budtenders (winning the Budtender’s Choice award for Best Vape Accessory), the TOQi 510 Wireless Vaporizer pairs with the TOQi 510 Dab Cartridge for smooth hits on the move. Dab shatter, crumble, wax, rosin, live resin, diamonds and sauce on the go with an instantaneous heating quartz tank design. Powered by an industry-leading power-train, the rapid charging battery takes only 20 minutes to charge up to 85 percent, and can be charged wirelessly on any Qi-enabled device like a Samsung Galaxy Note10. Three curated temperature settings and a sleek design make the TOQi 510 stand out. A game changer for concentrate fans.

Price: $71.90 for bundle

mytoqi.com

Photo Courtesy of Pinnacle Hemp

D8 Disposable

Pinnacle Hemp offers 15 different terpene profiles for Rift Delta 8 THC pens. There is truly something for everyone, making them one of the best Delta 8 options out there.

Price: $29.99

pinnaclehemp.com/shop/rift-delta-8-disposable-pen

Photo Courtesy of Dreamt

Dreamt 45-Night Sleep Pen

In a world where stress, anxiety and insomnia are common symptoms of being overworked and overstimulated, one of the best gifts you can give is a long, uninterrupted night of sleep. The Dreamt 45-Night Sleep Pen is your ticket toward addressing a variety of sleep problems. The combination of THC and CBD work together to promote both getting to sleep faster, as well as increasing time spent in deep sleep as well. Dreamt boasts that its pen is backed by science, with the added melatonin, valerian root and terpenes to improve sleep and reduce that foggy morning feeling.

Price: $40

youdreamt.com

Photo Courtesy of Leune

Leune All-in-One Vaporizer (four flavors)

The All-in-One Vaporizers by Leune come ready to use right out of the tiny little tin packages that they are packaged in. The pen is offered in the flavors of Desert Gold (a sativa-leaning hybrid), Sol Berry (a true hybrid), Cloud Berry (a true hybrid) and Piña Dream (a 3:1 THC: CBD), as well as a “Naked” version containing a seasonal hybrid that’s “as close to the flower as you can get.” Feel good while supporting a company whose mission is to brings awareness for social injustice and strives for positive change in the industry.

Price: $29

www.leune.co

Photo Courtesy of Zeus

Zeus Arc

Feel like the mighty Greek god with the Zeus Arc at your side! Or gift a loved one with this lightweight dry herb vaporizer so that they, too, will enjoy smoking their favorite flower wherever they go. Created in Germany, this vaporizer contains a lot of power in a relatively small package. Zeus claims that it’s “the new gold standard in premium vaporizer technology,” offering up to 90 minutes of total battery life, with a unique heat sink, isolated airpath and three different temperature cycles that will give you a variety of options.

Price: $199.99

zeusarsenal.com

Photo Courtesy of Legion of Bloom

Legion of Bloom Monarch Vape Line

If you’re looking to gift a vape pen that comes in a variety of flavors, and also checks the charity box, then look no further than Legion of Bloom’s Monarch Vape Line. Nearly 40 flavors are available (depending on your location, of course) between the sativa, indica and hybrid varieties. These little beauties offer a ceramic heating element and ceramic mouth tip for a premium tasting experience, as well as a stainless-steel construction. Plus, a portion of sales for this pen are donated toward protecting the Monarch Butterfly population in California—which is a worthwhile venture to support. Get high and save the butterflies!

Price: $40+

www.thelegionofbloom.com

Photo Courtesy of Timeless

Timeless—Biscotti

The holidays can be a stressful time for many, but with Timeless’ Biscotti at the ready, it will be a whole lot more relaxing. This vape cartridge contains 500mg of cannabis oil that will knock out stress with a swift dose of this popular indica variety. Timeless says that due to the “peppery caryophyllene, herbal myrcene and hoppy humulene” terpenes, Biscotti’s taste resembles that of a snickerdoodle cookie—so you’re getting that holiday flavor on top of a nice high that doesn’t leave you overly sedated.

timelessvapes.com

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